500 Lire Vatican
Updated:
The Vatican City has also minted bimetallic 500 lire coins, and in this article, we will catalog and examine the various 500 lire Vatican coins (there are as many as 20!). If you haven't read it yet, we recommend our article on the bimetallic 500 lire coins minted by the Italian Republic, and that of the 500 lire San Marino.
Composition of the 500 Lira Bimetallic Coins of the Vatican City
The 500 lira bimetallic coins of the Vatican City were minted using the same metal alloys as the 500 lira bimetallic coins of Italy and San Marino.
As you may know if you have read our articles on the 500 lira bimetallic coins of the Italian Republic and San Marino, we are talking about Acmonital and Bronzital! The weight and dimensions remain the same. In fact, the 500 lira bimetallic coins of the Vatican City have these characteristics, common to the 500 lira coins of Italy:
- they weigh 6.8 grams
- they have a diameter of 25.8 millimeters
- and they have a reeded edge with intermittent sections
History of the Vatican 500 Lira Bimetallic Coins
The Vatican 500 lira bimetallic coins, like their Italian and San Marino counterparts, began to be minted in 1982 during the papacy of John Paul II.
Each year, the obverse and reverse change, just like those of San Marino.
All Vatican 500 lira bimetallic coins have been minted for circulation.
Value of the 500 Lira Bimetallic Coins of Vatican City
If you are wondering how much the 500 Vatican lira you found in an old coat pocket or in some drawer are worth, reading this article will give you a clear idea of their value and pricing.
The 500 lira coins from Vatican City all have a value ranging from 3 euros up to around 20 euros depending on their rarity.
Now let's look at the description of each bimetallic 500 lira coin from Vatican City and their respective valuations.
500 Bimetallic Lire Vatican City
Let's take a look at all the 500 lire coins from the Vatican City one by one in detail, with images and prices.
500 Lire Vatican 1982 – “Education”
The first bimetallic 500 lire coin from the Vatican was minted in 1982 and is dedicated to the theme of education.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1982 “Education”
On the inner circle, on the obverse, the profile of Pope John Paul II is depicted. On the circular acmonital crown, the inscription reads “IOANNES PAVLVS II P M” (John Paul II Supreme Pontiff), the year MCMLXXXII, and the year of the pontificate “AN.IV”.
On the reverse, also on the outer crown, it reads “CITTA' DEL VATICANO” at the top, while at the bottom is the R mint mark of Rome between two ears of wheat. In the inner circle, an elderly friar is depicted explaining and teaching something to two young people, one standing and one sitting. On the right, the value L.500 is shown.
The author of both sides of the coin is Enrico Manfrini.
Value 500 Lire Vatican 1982
- These 500 bimetallic lire Vatican 1982 were minted in a fairly high quantity, and their current value is around 5€.
500 Lire Vatican 1983 – “God Creates the Universe”
In 1983, the 500 bimetallic lire from the Vatican City represent the creation of the universe by God.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1983 “Creation of the Universe”
On the obverse, in the inner part of this bimetallic 500 lire coin, there is a depiction of Pope Karol Józef Wojtyła facing a cross on the left. The outer ring bears the name “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.”, the year of pontificate “A.V” and the year “MCMLXXXIII”.
On the reverse of this 1983 coin, in the center, is depicted the hand of God touching a sphere formed by lines, representing the act of creation of the Universe. At the bottom right, the signature of the author Nicola Morelli is visible, and on the left is the mint mark.
The outer crown of these 500 bimetallic lire shows the value L.500 and the inscription “CITTA' DEL VATICANO”.
Value 500 Lire Vatican 1983
- The value of the 500 Bimetallic Lire Vatican 1983 can reach about 6€ if in FDC quality.
Author: Nicola Morelli
500 Lire Vatican 1984 – “Year of Peace”
In 1984, the 500 bimetallic lire from the Vatican were dedicated to the Year of Peace.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1984 “Year of Peace”
On these 500 bimetallic lire from 1984, on the obverse, in the inner circle, is the profile of Pope Wojtyła looking to the left, while the outer crown bears the inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.”, “A. VI” for the sixth year of pontificate and the year MCMLXXXIV.
On the bronzital reverse, two hands shaking are depicted holding an olive sprout between them. Below is the inscription “PAX” and on the right is the mint mark. The outer crown has the inscription “CITTA' DEL VATICANO” and at the bottom the value L.500.
The author of these representations is Ennio Tesei.
Value 500 Vatican 1984
- The 500 bimetallic lire Vatican 1984 “Year of Peace” are worth about 5€, as they are not particularly rare.
500 Lire Vatican 1985 – “Peter the Fisherman”
In 1985, the Vatican City minted its 500 bimetallic lire dedicating them to Apostle Peter.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1985 “Apostle Peter”
On the obverse of these 500 lire from 1985, the profile of Pope John Paul II appears again looking to the left, and on the outer circular crown, the inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II PONT. MAX.”, “AN. VII” and the year MCMLXXXV are present.
On the reverse, the depiction occupies both the inner circle and the outer crown, presenting fisherman Peter on his fishing boat sailing on the waters of the Sea of Galilee. At the top, we find “CITTA' DEL VATICANO”, on the left the mint mark, and at the bottom the value L.500.
The author of both sides of this 500 lire coin is Guido Veroi.
Value 500 Lire Vatican 1985
- These 500 lire Vatican 1985 coins are not rare and currently can reach, even in FDC quality, a value of almost 5€.
500 Lire Vatican 1986 – “Mary and Christ”
The 500 lire minted in 1986 by the Vatican City are dedicated to the figures of Mary and Jesus.
Let's see what is depicted.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1986 “Mary and Jesus”
On the reverse of these 500 lire from 1986, Mary and Jesus are seated. Jesus is in the act of blessing a cross while Mary has her hands clasped. To her left is the R mint mark of Rome. On the outer circle, the value L.500 is at the bottom and “CITTA' DEL VATICANO” is at the top.
On the obverse, on the acmonital crown, the inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.”, “AN. VIII” and the year MCMLXXXVI are present. Also on the obverse, in the center is depicted the profile of the Pope looking to the right, and at the bottom left is the signature of the author Guido Veroi.
Value 500 Lire Vatican 1986
- The current value of these 500 bimetallic lire from the Vatican City of 1986, even in FDC, does not reach 6€.
500 Lire Vatican 1987 – “The Madonna of the Savior”
The 500 lire from the Vatican 1987 were dedicated to the Madonna weeping for Christ on the cross.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1987 “Madonna of the Savior”
On the obverse of these 500 lire from 1987, on the outer ring, the usual inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.”, “AN.IX” and the year MCMLXXXVII are read. In the center, Pope Wojtyła is depicted looking to the left, and below is the signature of the author Angelo Canevari.
On the reverse of these 500 lire from 1987, Mary weeping for her son Jesus nailed to the cross is depicted. On the outer ring, “CITTA' DEL VATICANO” is written at the top and the value L.500 at the bottom, separated by two dots.
Value 500 Lire Vatican 1987
- These 500 lire from the Vatican 1987 are not very rare and are worth about 9€ today.
500 Lire Vatican 1988 – “The Trinity”
The 500 lire of 1988 are dedicated by the Vatican City to the Holy Trinity.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1988 “Trinity”
On the obverse of these 500 lire, the right profile of John Paul II is represented, to the left of which is the signature of the author Guido Veroi. On the outer crown, as always, the inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P:M:” and “AN. X” appear. The year is MCMLXXXVIII.
On the outer crown on the reverse, “CITTA' DEL VATICANO” and the value L.500 with the mint mark R are inscribed.
In the center, the Holy Trinity is depicted. On the right is God, on the left Christ. Both hold a hand on each other's shoulder and with the other hand, they hold a dove (symbol of the Holy Spirit).
Value 500 Lire Vatican 1988
- These Vatican 500 lire are not particularly rare and are worth 5€.
500 Lire Vatican 1989 – “The Vine”
In 1989, the Vatican 500 lire are dedicated to the work of the land which is a source of life and food for humanity.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1989 “Vine and Grape”
In the inner circle of these 500 lire, on the reverse, a vine plant is depicted, with numerous bunches of grapes and hanging tendrils. At the bottom left, the R mint mark of Rome is visible. On the outer ring, the inscription “CITTA' DEL VATICANO” and the value L.500 are present.
Also on the acmonital ring, on the obverse, the inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.” and “AN. XI” are read. The year is MCMLXXXIX and in the inner circle, there is still the profile of Pope Wojtyła with the signature of the author Enrico Manfrini below.
Value 500 Lire Vatican 1989
- What are these 500 lire from the Vatican worth? Like other 500 lire from the Vatican City, they are worth 6€ if in Fior di Conio.
500 Lire Vatican 1990 – “Christianity in Europe”
In this 500 lire coin from the Vatican City of 1990, the theme addressed is the importance of Christianity in Europe.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1990 “Christianity in Europe”
On the obverse of these 500 lire, the usual profile of Pope John Paul II looks to the left, and at the bottom right is the signature of the author Angelo Canevari.
On the outer crown, the inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.” and “A. XII”, along with the year MCMXC, leave space for two twigs with leaves.
On the reverse, the design shows two friars, one Orthodox Christian and one Western Christian, kneeling on either side of Christ, at the top of a mountain with a path and sheep grazing. Jesus holds a flag in his hand and on the far right is the mint mark R.
On the outer crown, the value L.500 is at the bottom and the inscription “CITTA' DEL VATICANO” is separated by six stars.
Value 500 Lire Vatican City 1990
- This 500 lire Vatican coin can also be worth, if Fior di Conio, about 6€.
500 Lire Vatican 1991 – “Go and Preach”
The 500 lire from the Vatican City of 1991 are called “Go and Preach” because they celebrate the missionaries who bring the Gospel to the world.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1991 “Missionaries”
On the obverse of these 500 lire, on the outer ring, the inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.” and “A. XIII” along with the year MCMXCI are found. In the center, the profile of the Pope looks to the left, and the signature of the author Nicola Morelli is located below the profile, on the right.
On the reverse, Christ is depicted indicating the way to a group of missionaries. Morelli's signature also appears on the reverse, along with the mint mark.
On the outer circle, “CITTA' del VATICANO” and the value L.500 are inscribed.
Value 500 Lire Vatican City 1991
- Unfortunately, these 500 bimetallic lire from the Vatican of 1991 are not rare and their current value is 7€.
500 Lire Vatican 1992 – “Offering of Bread”
The Vatican City in 1992 minted its 500 lire to convey the message that the fruit of the earth must be shared and destined for the whole world.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1992 “Bread”
On the obverse, in the center, the profile of the Pope is facing right and the signature of the author Sergio Giandomenico is found below the design.
The outer crown, as always, bears the inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.” and “AN. XIV”, the year MCMXCII and 5 small dots.
On the reverse of these 500 lire, the acmonital crown bears the inscription “CITTA' DEL VATICANO” and the value L.500, divided by two groups of five dots. In the inner part, two hands offer a loaf of bread and in the background, the meridians and parallels of the earth are visible. The mint mark R is placed on the right.
Value 500 Lire Vatican City 1992
- These 500 lire from the Vatican of 1992 are not rare but common, and if you are wondering how much they are worth, the answer is just over 6€.
500 Lire Vatican 1993 – “PATER NOSTER”
The 500 lire of 1993 from the Vatican City are dedicated to the most well-known of Christian prayers, the Our Father.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1993 “PATER NOSTER”
These 500 lire from the Vatican have on the obverse, in the center, John Paul II depicted facing forward while on the outer crown it is written “IOANNES PAVLVS II PONT. MAX.”, “AN. XV” and the year MCMXCIII.
On the reverse, the outer crown bears the inscription “CITTA' DEL VATICANO” interspersed with chains that support a censer. At the bottom, the value L.500 with the mint mark to its left. In the center, the censer, or thurible, used in religious functions to burn incense is depicted.
On either side of the censer, it is written “PATER NOSTER”.
Value 500 Lire Vatican City 1993
- These 500 lire from 1993 can be worth, in FDC, about 5€.
500 Lire Vatican 1994 – “Racism and Solidarity”
The message that this 500 lire coin from 1994 from the Vatican City wants to convey is that Christ died for all, without ethnic distinctions.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1994 “Racism and Solidarity”
On the obverse of these 500 lire from 1994, the usual profile of the Pope facing left appears. On the outer crown, we find the inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M” and “A XVI”. In addition to the year MCMXCIV, the signature of the author Angelo Canevari and the engraver Eugenio Driutti appear.
On the reverse, in the center, we see two groups of people of different nationalities meeting at the foot of Golgotha, the mount of Calvary, with the three crosses. It is an allegorical representation of the meeting of different cultures and nationalities and of solidarity among peoples.
On the outside, the value L.500 is at the bottom, with the mint mark on the left. At the top is the inscription “CITTA' DEL VATICANO”.
Value 500 Lire Vatican City 1994
- These 500 lire from 1994 can be worth almost 5€.
500 Lire Vatican 1995 – “The Root of Violence Against Life”
In 1995, the 500 lire from the Vatican City represent the story of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1995 “Cain and Abel”
On the central disc of these 500 lire from 1995, on the obverse, the profile of Pope Wojtyła facing left appears. Below the design are the signatures of the author Enrico Manfrini and the engraver Eugenio Driutti.
On the outer crown, three stars and the inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.”, “AN. XVII” and the year MCMXCV are visible.
On the reverse, in the center, Cain is depicted attacking Abel with a club, striking him to death.
Below them is the mint mark R and on the outside at the bottom is the value L.500 and at the top the inscription “CITTA' DEL VATICANO”
Value 500 Lire Vatican City 1995
- These 500 lire from the Vatican of 1995 can have a value, in FDC, of just over 5€.
500 Lire Vatican 1996 – “Catechism”
In 1996, the theme addressed with the 500 lire from the Vatican City is that of Catechism.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1996 “Catechism”
The image on the obverse of the 500 lire Vatican coins of 1996 is once again the profile of the Pope facing left and on the outer circle, the inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.”, “A. XVIII” and the year MCMXCVI are present.
On the reverse of these 500 lire from the Vatican, two catechists teaching a girl are represented. One of them has his right arm raised in the gesture of stopping the snake present on the outer crown. To the left of the girl is the mint mark, while at the bottom is the signature of the author Orietta Rossi.
On the outer circle, besides the snake, the value L.500 and the inscription “CITTA' DEL VATICANO” are found.
Value 500 Lire Vatican City 1996
- The 500 bimetallic lire from the Vatican of 1996 are not rare but their value, in FDC quality, is higher than those seen so far. How much are they worth? Around 16€!
500 Lire Vatican 1997 – “Forgiveness and Peace”
For the 500 lire from 1997 from the Vatican City, the chosen theme was “Forgiveness and Peace“.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1997 “Offer Forgiveness, Receive Peace”
The obverse of these 500 lire from 1997 bears, as always, the profile of the Pope, facing right. On the outer crown, the usual inscriptions of the obverse, namely “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.” and “AN. XIX” along with the year MCMXCVII are present.
On the reverse, in the central part, the scene of a man fallen among the thorns, on the left, being helped by another man standing on the right, who in return receives an olive branch representing Peace.
The scene is an allegory of offering forgiveness to those who have fallen into the thorns of sin, receiving peace in return. In the upper left, the mint mark is visible.
On the outer crown, “CITTA' DEL VATICANO” and the value L.500 are inscribed, with the signature of the author Gabriella Titotto on the right and the engraver “L. DE SIMONI INC” on the left.
Value 500 Lire Vatican 1997
- Also, the 500 lire from the Vatican of 1997 are not rare and are worth about 6€.
500 Lire Vatican 1998 – “Wheat and Olives”
The 500 lire of 1998 from the Vatican are dedicated to the sharing of the fruits of the earth, particularly Wheat and Olives.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1998 “Wheat and Olives”
On the reverse of these 500 lire, two men in a wheat field are depicted exchanging an ear and a sprig laden with olives. The ears and the sprig are also repeated on the outer crown, at the top, along with “CITTA' DEL VATICANO”, the value L.500 and the mint mark of Rome. To the right of the value are the signatures of the author (Paolo Borghi) and the engraver (L. DE SIMONI INC).
On the obverse of these 500 lire from 1998, John Paul II appears again facing right, this time while holding a crucifix with both hands.
On the outside, the inscriptions are “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.” and “AN. XX”, the year is MCMXCVIII.
Value 500 Lire Vatican 1998
- These 500 bimetallic lire from the Vatican of 1998 have a mintage of 103,500 pieces and their value is slightly below 30€.
500 Lire Vatican 1999 – “Time of Choices, Time of Hope”
The theme addressed with the 500 lire from the Vatican of 1999 is the blessing of God towards our Children.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1999 “God Bless Our Children”
On the obverse of these 500 lire from the Vatican City of 1999, we see again the right profile of the Pope, to the left of which are the signatures of the author Angelo Canevari and the engraver Uliana Pernazza.
On the outside, besides the year MCMXCIX, the inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.” and “AN. XXI” are read.
On the reverse, a woman holding a newborn and a man caressing the child's head are depicted. From above descends a hand, the hand of God bringing its blessing. To the right of the hand appears the R mint mark, while on the outer crown, the value L.500 and the inscription “CITTA' DEL VATICANO” are interspersed with bundles of ears of wheat.
Value 500 Lire Vatican City 1999
- These 500 lire from 1999 from the Vatican have a mintage of 161,000 pieces and if FDC reach a value of about 25€.
500 Lire Vatican 2000 – “Pilgrimage to the Holy Land”
The Vatican City in 2000 minted the 500 lire dedicating them to the pilgrimage to the Holy Land made by the Pope from March 21 to March 26, 2000, a jubilee year.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 2000 “Holy Year 2000”
In the center, on the reverse, is represented a coat of arms of the Vatican City, with the keys of Peter topped by the papal triregnum, placed behind a banner with the letter M. Below the image, the mint mark is visible and on the outer circle “CITTA' DEL VATICANO” at the top and the value L.500 at the bottom.
On the obverse, on the outer circle, the inscriptions are “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.” and “A. XXII”, then a bar separates the inscription “AN. IVB.” (Annus Iubilaris) and the year MM followed by a dot.
In the center, the Pope is depicted visiting the Holy Land, to the left of which is the signature of the author Cecco Bonanotte and the engraver “BEDETTI INC.”.
Value 500 Lire Vatican City 2000
- This is the 500 lire coin from the Vatican City that currently reaches the highest value! These coins from 2000 were minted in a quantity of only 26,000 pieces and their value is definitely higher. So how much are the 500 lire from the Vatican of 2000 worth? Their value is about 50€!
If you own a bimetallic coin like these 500 lire, you can easily sell it at auction individually or in a lot on this site and find a bidder for very high amounts.
500 Lire Vatican 2001 – “John Paul I”
The last 500 lire coin from the Vatican City is from the year 2001. These 500 lire celebrate the pope who preceded Wojtyła, John Paul I.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 2001 “John Paul I”
On the obverse of the 500 lire from the Vatican of 2001, on the outer circle, the inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.” appear, separated by two crosses from “AN. XXIII” and the year MMI.
In the center of these special 500 lire appears the Vatican coat of arms, with the keys and the triregnum. Below is the signature of the engraver “MAURI INC.”
On the reverse, the central part is occupied by the profile of Pope John Paul I, facing left. Below him is the inscription “GIOVANNI PAOLO I” and on the outer crown “CITTA' DEL VATICANO”, the mint mark and the value L.500, with a small cross on the left.
The author of both sides of the coin is Laura Cretara, author of numerous coins including the 500 lire bimetallic Italian coins.
Value 500 Lire Vatican City 2001
- Only 26,000 pieces of these last 500 bimetallic lire from the Vatican 2001 were minted. These 500 lire from the Vatican City can reach a value of about 26€!
500 Bimetallic Lire Vatican – Table with Values of all Coins
Here is the table with the values of all the 500 Bimetallic Lire of the Vatican year by year. They are all minted by the Rome mint.
| Year/Coin | Rarity | Mintage | Price (BU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 The Education | C | 1,852,000 + 120,000 BU | 5€ |
| 1983 God Creating the Universe | C | 120,000 | 6€ |
| 1984 Year of Peace | C | 270,000 | 5€ |
| 1985 Peter | C | 300,000 | 5€ |
| 1986 Mary and Christ | C | 300,000 | 6€ |
| 1987 The Madonna of the Savior | C | 9€ | |
| 1988 The Trinity | C | 5€ | |
| 1989 The Vine | C | 6€ | |
| 1990 Christianity in Europe | C | 6€ | |
| 1991 Go and Preach | C | 7€ | |
| 1992 Offering of Bread | C | 6€ | |
| 1993 PATER NOSTER | C | 5€ | |
| 1994 Racism and Solidarity | C | 5€ | |
| 1995 Violence | C | 460,000 | 5€ |
| 1996 Catechism | C | 100,000 | 16€ |
| 1997 Forgiveness and Peace | R | 160,000 | 6€ |
| 1998 Wheat and Olives | C | 103,500 | 30€ |
| 1999 Choices and Hope | C | 161,000 | 25€ |
| 2000 Holy Land | R | 50€ | |
| 2001 John Paul I | R | 26€ |
Also discover the 500 Commemorative Silver Lire Italian.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out these topics on lire:
- Here you can learn everything about the 1 lira, 2 lire, 5 rare lire, 10 rare lire, 20 lire, and 50 lire.
- The 10 centesimi of lira are here, the 20 centesimi here, and here are the 50 rare centesimi of lira.
- If you are looking for the 1 centesimo of lira, look here and here for the 2 rare centesimi of lira and the 5 centesimi of lira.
- If you want info on 100 lire and their value, you can find it here as well as that of the 1000 Lire of the Italian Republic.
- We have discussed the 200 lire and their value here.
- We talked about the Telephone Tokens that were worth 200 lire on this page.
- We also discussed the 500 silver lire, the 500 bimetallic lire, and the 500 paper lire
- For German-speaking collectors, we have created a dedicated version of the catalog of rare coins that you can find here “MoneteRare Deutschland”.
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